Woman to paddle board and litter pick for 28 miles along Hythe's Royal Military Canal
12:17, 18 June 2020
updated: 12:23, 18 June 2020
A yoga teacher will paddle board for 28 miles along the Royal Military Canal - picking up litter along the way.
India Pearson will travel between Rye and Hythe for the challenge, which she will record via the Plastic Patrol app.
The app helps gather data to conduct the world’s largest survey of inland plastic pollution, and is used to approach brands that are causing the pollution from the source.
India, 31 and from Hythe, said: "I am lucky enough to live three minutes from the sea, and walk my dog every morning along Hythe beach.
"I love water, and spending time on my paddle board just cruising, or teaching Stand up Paddle Boarding Yoga, connects me to our blue planet even more.
"My daily walks and paddles have brought me closer to the problem we have with plastic pollution but I do have faith in our community to change this - I do believe small acts can amount to big changes!"
India, who is a #ShePaddles ambassador, is taking on the challenge to raise funds for a Beach Clean board for Hythe.
The board will come from the 2 Minute Foundation, which is devoted to cleaning up the planet 'two minutes at a time'.
India said: "The #2MinuteBeachClean doesn’t ask you to clean the whole beach, it doesn’t make you feel guilty for not being able to make every organised beach clean or for that matter solve the entire crisis.
"It simply says 'do what you can’.
"Two minutes on every trip to the beach or in fact anywhere, just pick up a few pieces.
"The boards are there to inspire and guide people to do their bit.
"Providing litter picking equipment and a place to take a photo and share 'your bit' with the world on social media so you can inspire others."
Once installed, the board will be looked after by Hythe Sailing Club.
India added: "I was shocked to see we didn’t have any along our stretch in Hythe.
"We live in such a beautiful part of the world and as a community we want to keep it this way."
India hopes to complete the 28 mile challenge tomorrow (Friday). She has so far raised £400 of her £500 target.
To support India, visit here.
